About the Director
Niko Kounenakis
Co-Founder and Director
ECES Limited (Cyprus) & ECE-Soccer (Illinois)
With over 18 years of experience as a high-level soccer player, team captain, and coach, Niko has been part of winning organizations at the highest levels of soccer. Drawing on extensive knowledge, global experience, and collaborations with elite experts, he and ECES specialize in athlete development, high-performance protocols, and team-building strategies both on and off the field.
As co-founder and director of ECES Ltd. and ECE-Soccer, Niko has contributed to transformative programs that integrate advanced training methods, leadership development, and cutting-edge technology to empower individuals and organizations. His initiatives provide European and U.S. athletes and non-athletes with opportunities to achieve skill mastery, high performance, and cross-cultural understanding. This is accomplished through an innovative athlete assessment and training program based in Illinois, as well as transformative retreats held on the islands of Crete and Cyprus.
Niko has served as a guest lecturer at Adelphi University in New York, and is a licensed professional coach, certified sports and mental coach, and has served youth, collegiate, and professional athletes and teams in various aspects of development. Niko uses his global expertise to drive growth and transformation. His mission is to deliver innovative, results-driven pathways to success through leadership, retreats, collaboration, and excellence.
Professional Soccer Experience
- 1994-1999 - OFI FC PREMIER LEAGUE GREECE
Uefa Cup - Intertoto Cup - National Team of Greece - 1999-2003 - ANDERLECHT BELGIUM PREMIER LEAGUE
League Winners - Champions League - UEFA Cup Roda J.C PREMIER LEAGUE HOLLAND - Uefa Cup - 2004-2009 - OFI FC PREMIER LEAGUE GREECE - Team Captain
- ARIS LIMASSOL FC PREMIER LEAGUE CYPRUS
- 2010 -SPORTING KANSAS WIZARDS MLS
Professional Coaching Experience
- SK SLOVAN BRATISLAVA - Slovakian Premier League and Cup Runner up - QF Europa League
- MONTREAL IMPACT MLS - Cup Winners - QF Concacaf Champions League
- OFI FC PREMIER LEAGUE GREECE
